Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup Winner, Reveals ALS Diagnosis
Former English rugby player, Lewis Moody, Rugby World Cup champion, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease of the nervous system. The news was communicated by Moody himself, 47 years old, in an interview.
There’s something about looking the future in the face and not really wanting to process that right now. It’s not that I don’t understand where it’s going. We get it. But there’s absolutely a reluctance to look the future in the face for now.
Lewis Moody
Moody was a key player in England’s 2003 triumph, participating in all seven tournament matches and earning 71 caps between 2001 and 2011. In the final against Australia, he managed to win the line-out that led to Jonny Wilkinson’s decisive drop goal.
In addition to his international success, Moody won seven Premiership titles with the Leicester Tigers and two Heineken Cups at club level. During his career, he was known for his tireless work and commitment to the team, being a ferocious tackler and a standout player in the ruck area.ALS is a degenerative neurological disease that often shortens life. Symptoms and the speed at which muscle weakness develops vary between people. Currently, there is no cure.
Moody reported that the first symptoms he noticed were weakness in his shoulder while at the gym. After physiotherapy, scans revealed nerve damage in his brain and spinal cord due to ALS. Former rugby players such as Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow have died from this disease in recent years.
Moody expressed that, despite the diagnosis, he feels well and with few symptoms. Currently, he presents mild muscle atrophy in his hand and shoulder, and is still able to perform any activity. He has expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and medical professionals.
In a social media post, Moody described the diagnosis as a “shock,” but expressed gratitude for the support received and for the research that seeks to help people who, like him, live with this disease.The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has expressed its support for Moody and his family. Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, stated that the rugby community is with him and will provide all the necessary support.
Former Moody clubs, Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby, have also offered their support. Andrea Pinchin, Leicester Tigers CEO, highlighted Moody’s dedication and commitment to the club, while Tarquin McDonald, Bath Rugby CEO, described him as part of the club’s family and an ambassador for the sport.
